Draped in the Union flag, the coffin of a veteran firefighter is carried solemnly into a Tyneside church.

Draped in the Union flag, the coffin of a veteran firefighter is carried solemnly into a Tyneside church.

Scores of colleagues gathered to say a dignified farewell to an officer who for years helped keep the service on the road.

An engine followed by a guard of honour was sent to attend the funeral of Gordon Bell, from Whickham, Gateshead, who was in the Tyne and Wear Fire Service for 28 years, rising to the rank of divisional officer responsible for transport until he retired in 1985.

Mr Bell, who has died from cancer, aged 70, was responsible for maintaining the brigade's engines and taught many of the service's senior staff, including Chief Fire Officer Richard Bull, to drive.

Away from work, he was a noted saxophone player in the brigade band.

A keen dog breeder, Mr Bell was also a chairman of the Whitley Bay Canine Club up until a fortnight before he died and acted as a judge in dog shows.

During an emotional service, the divisonal officer's helmet rested on his coffin while a clarinet solo was performed.

He was buried next to his wife Maureen, who died aged 66 in 2000.

Chief Fire Officer Bull said: "I think all of his friends and colleagues in the brigade are very upset at this sad loss, particularly as he was one of the stalwarts and a well-known character in the fire service.

"Not only was he a true professional in terms of design of fire appliances and equipment, he was also an accomplished musician in the brigade band.

"Many people shared lasting memories and great experiences with him over the years."

Mr Bell's stepson Tom Wakeford, 48, said the family were extremely grateful to the fire brigade for its support.

He added: "There was a great turnout, people from all aspects of his life came. He was a smashing bloke. Everybody I have spoken to has said what a wonderful fellow he was.

"I have never heard anyone speak a bad word about him and I never heard Gordon speak a bad word about anyone. You could trust him implicitly, he had a great character and masses of energy."